Serena Williams, super bowl, commercials

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2026

Black Star Power Lights Up Super Bowl Commercial Breaks With Spike Lee, Serena Williams, And More

Black celebrities across sports and entertainment will take part in this year's Super Bowl ads.

Black celebrities are getting their own spotlight during the highly-anticipated commercials for this year’s Super Bowl.

These superstars in entertainment and sports will make the big game even more special as the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots on Feb. 8. Throughout the game, fans can catch their favorites in Black Hollywood appear on Super Bowl commercials.

Spike Lee, Marshawn Lynch, and streamer IShowSpeed will star in a new commercial with Oakley Meta, showing off the possibilities with the Meta AI-powered sunglasses, as reported by ESPN. The clip shows the NFL retiree skydiving, the Twitch star running against an airplane, and the Do The Right Thing director making a cameo at the end of the minute-long advertisement.

As for more Black elite athletes, Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry will feature his face despite not making it to the actual showdown. The running back partnered with Oikos for a Super Bowl commercial to show off his own throwing skills to impress some football fans during the game.

Outside of football, Serena Williams is swinging big with her ongoing partnership with telehealth company Ro. As a spokeswoman for their weight loss treatments, Williams will continue promoting the brand and her usage of its GLP-1 for her own fitness journey.

For our entertainers, Ludacris will also join the fun with his own ad for Frank’s Red Hot sauce, as Keegan Michael-Key will show off his singing chops in a new State Farm commercial. Dawn Staley will even make her Super Bowl commercial debut with a collaboration for Dove. She will be featured in its 2026 Body Confident Sport campaign, promoting body positivity and confidence for all women.

Even some acclaimed Oscar winners will get their due time with a seconds-long shot. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer will team up with Sofia Vergara for a Boehringer Ingelheim commercial. Titled “Mission: Detect the SOS,” the actresses will raise awareness for kidney damage and increased heart risk for those with Type 2 diabetes.

As sports fans get ready for the NFL championship, they can see Black Hollywood take the limelight during game breaks.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 8, 2026

Sade Reaches New Billboard Top 10 Milestone With Decades-Old Album

A "Smooth Operator" reconnects.

By Robert Hill

Sade Adu, the lead singer of the groundbreaking London group, Sade, has reached a new chart milestone as The Best of Sade, a compilation released more than three decades ago, entered the top 10 of the Billboard Top R&B Albums for the first time.

The album climbed from No. 12 to No. 10, marking the group’s first-ever top 10 placement on Billboard’s R&B albums ranking. Initially released in 1994, The Best of Sade continues to gain traction through streaming and catalog consumption, underscoring the band’s lasting appeal across generations. The compilation debuted on the chart in August 2024 and reached the top tier 62 weeks into its run.

Beyond its top 10 breakthroughs on the R&B chart, The Best of Sade also posted gains across several other Billboard rankings. The album climbed from No. 33 to No. 30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and rose from No. 103 to No. 90 on the Billboard 200. While the project has reached higher positions on those lists in the past, its continued upward movement highlights its sustained popularity decades after its release.

The compilation has also maintained a strong presence on jazz-focused charts. The Best of Sade currently leads both the Billboard Jazz Albums and the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums rankings, where it has spent extended time at No. 1.

Forbes reported, “Currently, Sade only manages to appear in more than one space on a single Billboard roster, the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.”

“The Best of Sade features songs from the band’s first four studio albums, Diamond Life, Promise, Stronger Than Pride, and Love Deluxe. Since its release, the compilation has earned four platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, totaling more than 4 million units sold and streamed in the U.S.

Falcons,James Pearce, Arrested , Domestic Dispute

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2026

Falcons Linebacker James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Police Chase Following Alleged Domestic Dispute with WNBA Star

The police chase reportedly erupted after officers arrived to investigate a domestic dispute between Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend.

Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was arrested by Miami area police following an alleged domestic dispute.

The 22-year-old tried to evade officers who arrived after receiving a call about a man and a woman, assumed to be Pearce and WNBA star Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, leading to the chase.

According to TMZ Sports, Pearce drove away from the scene as police began investigating, but crashed his vehicle, allowing police to take him into custody. Footage of what looked to be Pearce’s arrest went viral as it took several officers to pin down the linebacker for the arrest.

Pearce is listed at 6’5″ and weighing 243 pounds.

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Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.

“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Atlanta Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”

The team selected Pearce with the 26th selection in the first round of 2025 NFL draft. He placed third in the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Jackson is a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks about to start her third season in the WNBA. The duo appeared together throughout most of 2025, but Jackson announced their split that September, according to On3.

Although the investigation remains ongoing, some sources claim Pearce attempted to crash his vehicle into Jackson’s own car. Fox Sports anchor Andy Slater shared that he reportedly did so to prevent Jackson from going to police.

SLATER SCOOP: James Pearce Jr. is accused of intentionally crashing his Lamborghini into his ex-girlfriend’s car multiple times, trying to stop her from getting to a police station, law-enforcement sources tell me.

That alleged incident led to cops chasing the NFL star. https://t.co/0fu2EfzCjh
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 8, 2026

Slater also reported that the crash sparked the chase between the police and Pearce, who is detained in Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2026

Kirk Franklin Urges Church Leaders To Speak Out Against ICE Raids

Franklin called out church leaders silence by reminding them of what Jesus preached.

Kirk Franklin is reminding church leaders what Jesus stood for in this current time of political strife.

The gospel music staple appeared on the Grammys’ red carpet with a message of urgency for his fellow disciples. He noted how many leaders of the Christian faith have remained mum on the current immigration enforcement across the U.S., which have sparked anti-ICE protests nationwide.

Franklin reminded leaders that Jesus was an immigrant himself. Baller Alert shared footage of Franklin’s provocative words.

Kirk Franklin shares his thoughts on what the Church could be doing during today’s climate. He reminds people that Jesus’ parents were immigrants and emphasizes that the mission isn’t just about saving souls, it’s also about protecting lives.

What do you think the Church’s role… pic.twitter.com/0C3MnADaNy
— Baller Alert 🚨 (@balleralert) February 2, 2026

“I think that we should be intentional about being very vocal about, first of all, Jesus’ momma and daddy were immigrants,” Franklin said. “We need to be very careful to not be arrogant and prideful. We need to get in the streets and to be able to save and love as many people as we can. And when I say ‘save,’ I’m not talking about just their souls. I’m talking about their lives.”

In his call to action, Franklin wanted Christianity’s biggest voices to stand up for humanity, deeming it an essential part of their religion. As for his assertion of Jesus being an immigrant, biblical accounts dictate that Jesus’ parents traveled to Egypt out of fear of persecution of the infant prophet in Bethlehem.

He added, “We need to be feeding people, taking care of people, looking out for people…we need to be more compassionate about the human race.”

Not everybody was receptive to Franklin’s words on social media.

“OK [Kirk], don’t the Bible say that we have to follow the rules of the land so if people are coming illegally, that means they’re not following the rules of the land that’s what God says,” wrote one opposer.

Churches, especially those run by Black clergy, have been instrumental in other civil rights and social causes throughout U.S. history. More recently, faith leaders such as Pastor Jamal Bryant have led boycotts against major retailers amid the anti-DEI push.

But as anti-ICE advocacy becomes prevalent, Franklin wants the pulpit to become a platform for this cause, which impacts people of all backgrounds

Despite the backlash, others believe that the pushback to Franklin’s encouragement to love and support all people as Jesus would may say more about the current state of Christian leadership than the singer.

by Jameelah Mullen

February 8, 2026

I’m Out!: Why More Black American Women Are Leaving The U.S. For Good

Some Black women are choosing peace over patriotism.

A quiet revolution is happening in America. Black women are leaving the United States in search of safety and a better quality of life. For many of them, it’s a response to living in a country that they say has often failed to protect them.

The reasons expats give for leaving the U.S. vary, but among Black women, concerns include the cost of living, racism, microaggressions, and the current political climate.

Nicole Barrett, who moved to Portugal in 2023, told the Boston Globe that her decision to relocate was driven by concerns about emotional safety. A racial profiling incident involving her son was a major factor.

Barrett added that a child she considers “almost a foster son” experienced an anxiety attack after witnessing George Floyd’s murder, which also influenced her choice.

Expat Agenisz Samadhi is the founder of Bliss Life Travel, which hosts retreats and monthly mixers for expats and travelers in Medellin, Colombia. The New York City native said she chose Medellin because it gave her a taste of home in a place where she didn’t feel othered.

“After traveling to 32 countries searching for where I wanted to build my life, I chose Medellín, Colombia, because it felt like New York and Miami wrapped into one—creative, cosmopolitan, and warm,” Samadhi tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“The Afro-Colombian presence and deep sense of cultural pride made me feel both inspired and accepted,” she adds.

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Expat-led online communities such as ExodUS Summit, Blaxit Global, and Flourish in the Foreign exist to provide information and to help Black women navigate the processes of moving and living abroad. On these forums, Black women in various stages of life share the pros and cons of moving abroad, either temporarily or permanently.

Delores Edwards recalled her experience during her second visit to the summit last fall in the Boston Globe. She said she noticed a significant increase in “attendance and energy” from the first visit.

“The speakers discussed teaching, accounting, and project management positions, offering clarity about employment overseas. Sharing a moment of sisterhood, more than 2,500 Black women came together for a common purpose,” Edwards wrote.

From South America to the Caribbean and Africa, Black women are finding connection, relief from economic strain, and improved mental and physical health abroad. Their stories aren’t about escape but about cultivating life on their own terms.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 8, 2026

Former NFL Player Highlights Brain Health In Black Men

Former NFL defensive back Robert W. Turner II is leading a national effort to bring Black men into conversations about brain health.

By Robert Hill

As Super Bowl hype reaches it peak, former NFL defensive back Robert W. Turner II is leading a national effort to bring Black men into conversations about brain health.

Just days before the Super Bowl, Turner brought together researchers, athletes, NFL players, and community members at Merritt College for a Black Men’s Brain Health Conference to highlight the importance of brain health and encourage greater participation in research.

The physical toll of repeated hits to the head and concussions in football has increasingly been linked to long-term brain injuries and mental health challenges, making Turner’s advocacy especially urgent as the sport commands renewed attention. The condition most commonly associated with repeated head injuries in football is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE.

Turner, now a medical sociologist at the Duke University School of Medicine, is the principal investigator of a National Institutes of Health–funded study examining how repetitive head injuries and life experiences affect aging, dementia, and neurodegenerative disease in Black men, one of the groups at highest risk but least represented in brain health research.

Black men face a disproportionately higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; however, they remain underrepresented in the research designed to understand these conditions better.

Duke University School of Medicine reported that, “According to the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other researchers, Black Americans are approximately twice as likely as white Americans to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say the reasons for this disparity remain unclear, in part because Black individuals are much less likely than white Americans to participate in Alzheimer’s and dementia research studies.”

With the support of additional research institutions, including Boston University and the Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Turner is working to close that gap.

The National Institutes of Health–funded study enrolls 200 Black men aged 50 or older, including former football players from high school, college, and professional levels, as well as participants who have never played football or other contact sports.

The research involves MRI scans, blood and urine testing, and cognitive assessments to understand better how head injuries and life experiences influence long-term brain health.

Beyond research, Turner has expanded his efforts to raise awareness by launching the Black Men’s Brain Health Research Directory to connect Black men with neuroscience studies. He also founded the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference to foster community dialogue on aging and brain health.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2026

Grandma’s Recipes Go Viral: TikToker Serves Black History Month One Lost Dish At A Time

These 'lost' recipes are being revived in Black kitchens thanks to this TikToker.

A Black TikToker is doing her part this Black History Month by reviving old recipes steeped in heritage.

Trained dessert artist Sonja Norwood, whose page is called Wick’d Confections, is bringing back forgotten favorites from grandma’s kitchen. With each recipe, she not only lists the ingredients but the history of each dish as it relates to Black culture.

The historic cooking lessons have gone viral. One popular video has featured Burnt Sugar cake, a traditional treat used in Black Southern households before boxed mixes took over grocery stores.

@wickdconfections If someone makes you this cake… they love you. Because this is a labor of love. 🤎🔥 For Black History Month, I’m bringing back Burnt Sugar Cake, a historic Black Southern celebration cake that slowly faded when box mixes took over. Burnt Sugar Cake Burnt Sugar Syrup • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml) Melt sugar over medium heat until deep amber (do not stir, swirl pan). Carefully add boiling water, stir smooth, simmer 3–5 min. Cool. Reserve ½ cup for cake + ½ cup for frosting. Cake • 1 cup butter, softened (227 g) • 2 cups sugar (400 g) • 4 eggs • 3 cups cake flour (360 g) • 1 tbsp baking powder (14 g) • ½ tsp salt • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml) • ½ cup burnt sugar syrup • 2 tsp vanilla Heat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease three 8-inch pans. Cream butter + sugar 3–5 min. Add eggs one at a time. Whisk dry ingredients. Alternate dry ingredients + milk into batter. Mix in burnt sugar syrup + vanilla. Bake 25–30 min. Cool completely. Traditional Burnt Sugar Frosting (work fast!) • ½ cup butter (113 g) • 1 cup brown sugar (200 g) • ½ cup burnt sugar syrup • ¼ cup evaporated milk (60 ml) • 3–4 cups powdered sugar (360–480 g) • pinch salt + 1 tsp vanilla Boil butter, brown sugar, syrup & milk 2 minutes. Cool until warm, then beat in powdered sugar, salt & vanilla. Frost cake quickly before it sets. Optional Brown Sugar Penuche Frosting (creamier outside) • 1½ cups butter, divided (340 g) • 1½ cups brown sugar (300 g) • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml) • 1 tsp salt • 4½ cups powdered sugar (540 g) Melt ¾ cup butter. Boil brown sugar + cream + salt. Beat into melted butter with powdered sugar. Add remaining butter 1 tbsp at a time. Rest 10–30 min until spreadable. Assemble Fill and frost cake with traditional burnt sugar frosting. Optional: cover outside with penuche frosting. Finish with rustic swoops and swirls. #BlackHistory #TikTokLearn#BlackHistoryBlackFoodHistory#TikTokLearningCampaign ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

“We’re losing recipes and I’m going to find out if that’s for a good reason, detailed Norwood in the video with over 2 million views. “All Black History Month, I’m making Black American recipes that we left behind.”

Her videos offer more context to why Black people developed certain recipes, such as Norwood’s lesson on blackberry dumplings. The viral clip provided insight into the versatility and resourcefulness of Black people as certain foods became a commodity. It also unveiled how Black people created sweet treats even with limited ingredients, letting her followers know “we had berries, not sugar money.”

@wickdconfections Lost Black American Recipes: Blackberries & Dumplings 🍇🥟 Blackberries and dumplings is a sweet summertime dish rooted in Black American food culture. When sugar and money were scarce, the land provided. Black families relied on foraging, gathering blackberries that grew freely along fence lines, woods, and roadsides across the South. What began as necessity became tradition — turning simple ingredients into a communal, nourishing meal. Passed down orally and cooked intuitively, this dish was rarely written into cookbooks. Flour stretched what little was available, dumplings absorbed the berry juices, and one pot could feed many for very little. Though we still see cobblers today, blackberries and dumplings remain a largely forgotten seasonal treat — one deeply connected to land, resilience, and care. Blackberries & Dumplings Recipe Blackberry Syrup: 4 cups blackberries 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1 tbsp lemon juice Lemon zest Dumplings: 2 cups flour ¼ cup sugar 1½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp nutmeg ¾ cup milk 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla Simmer blackberries with sugar, water, lemon juice, and zest until juicy. Mix dumpling dough until it feels right. Drop spoonfuls into simmering berries, don’t stir, cover and cook 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes. Serve warm with plenty of syrup. Follow along as I honor Black history through lost recipes — one pot at a time. #BlackHistory #TikTokLearningCampaign #BlackAmericanFood #LostRecipes #FoodHistory ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

“When sugar and money were scarce, the land provided. Black families relied on foraging, gathering blackberries that grew freely along fence lines, woods, and roadsides across the South. What began as necessity became tradition—turning simple ingredients into a communal, nourishing meal,” she wrote in its description.

As she bakes up the delicious goods, she describes the dessert’s role in Black American households. As each video goes viral, she encourages Black people to return these dishes to their tables all February long.

Calling it “Black history on a plate,” Norwood’s meals go beyond treat time. She also features dishes such as Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Greens and Short Rib Stew. Other recipes include the forgotten, like Vinegar Pie. Norwood deemed the unusual treat as a testimony to Black people’s ingenuity during times of struggle.

@wickdconfections Lost Black American Recipes: Vinegar Pie 🥧 To kick off Black History Month, I’m starting a series honoring lost and forgotten Black American recipes—beginning with vinegar pie. Also known as desperation pie or pantry pie, this dessert was born from necessity. When fruit and citrus were scarce, home cooks used simple pantry staples to create something sweet, comforting, and joyful. Made with sugar, eggs, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, vinegar pie has a flaky crust and a rich custard filling. The vinegar doesn’t make it sour—it adds brightness, mimicking the tang of fruit and balancing the sweetness. It’s a reminder of how Black foodways transform struggle into creativity and care. 🖤 Vinegar Pie Recipe (9-inch pie): 4 eggs ½ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar ½ tsp vanilla 6 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp flour ¾ tsp salt Unbaked 9-inch pie crust Blind bake crust at 350°F (175°C). Whisk remaining ingredients until smooth, pour into crust, and bake 35–45 minutes. The center should still wobble slightly when gently shaken. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar. Follow along as we honor Black history through food—one lost recipe at a time. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackAmericanFood #LostRecipes #BlackFoodHistory #FoodReels ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

She wrote, “Also known as desperation pie or pantry pie, this dessert was born from necessity. When fruit and citrus were scarce, home cooks used simple pantry staples to create something sweet, comforting, and joyful… It’s a reminder of how Black foodways transform struggle into creativity and care.”

While her Black American recipes make rounds on social media, Wick’d Confections is a clever way of celebrating Black History Month at the dinner table.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 8, 2026

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Newest Shareholder In Trading Platform Kalshi

Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his new venture with prediction market platform Kalshi.

Antetokounmpo is the newest shareholder in the company that allows users to trade on outcomes of future events, including sports, politics, and entertainment.

On Feb. 6, the NBA champion announced the partnership on X, stating, “the internet is full of opinions” and that he had “decided it was time to make some of my own.”

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder and that the agreement will include his participation in marketing and live-event appearances. Company Chief Executive Officer Tarek Mansour said in a release that Antetokounmpo is a fitting long-term partner to help the platform grow its brand.

We all on @Kalshi now pic.twitter.com/cCNGxfLWO8
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 6, 2026

Antetokounmpo’s news comes right after the NBA trade deadline ended. There was considerable speculation that the two-time MVP would leave the Bucks after more than a decade with the organization. However, it appears the team will continue with its franchise player.

Kalshi’s press release stated that Antetokounmpo will be barred from trading on NBA-related markets to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The clause is an important limitation given his active role. While Antetokounmpo cannot trade on his name, that has not stopped spectators from doing so. Before the NBA trade deadline, over $23 million was put on the line, wagering whether or not the star would be traded to a new team.

For many, his announcement that he would remain with the Bucks marked a significant financial loss. Antetokounmpo posted a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” of Leonardo DiCaprio shouting, “I’m not f–king leaving. The show goes on. This is my home. They’re gonna need a f–king wrecking ball to take me outta here.”

Antetokounmpo has not been an active player for the Bucks since straining his right calf on Jan. 23. The veteran player may be nearing retirement, making his new venture a smart step toward his post-NBA career.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 8, 2026

15 Percent Pledge To Honor Tina Knowles At 2026 Gala Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses

The event will feature honorees, music, food, and programming focused on entrepreneurship and community building.

Designer Aurora James and her organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, will honor Tina Knowles and Black business owners at the 2026 gala and block party.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala and 15th Street Block Party will celebrate achievements by Black-owned brands and highlight economic inclusion, Forbes reported. The event will feature honorees, music, food, and programming focused on entrepreneurship and community building. Tina Knowles will be the night’s honoree, and notable celebrities Kelly Rowland and Law Roach will be in attendance.

Aurora James, the founder of the 15 Percent Pledge, spoke of Knowles’ commitment to uplifting and supporting Black-owned businesses, specifically Black women-owned businesses.

“She’s done a fantastic job of centering Black women for the entirety of her career. She has consistently believed in that representation from day one and has been a strong advocate for Black-owned businesses for years,” James told Forbes.

The gala and block party taking place Feb. 7-8 in Los Angeles serves as a platform to spotlight the economic power and cultural impact of Black-owned businesses. The event is expected to draw entrepreneurs, corporate partners, investors, and community advocates who have engaged with the Fifteen Percent Pledge mission since its founding. A CNN political anchor will host the third annual gala.

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James, a fashion designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge platform, created the initiative in 2020. The pledge encourages major retailers and corporations to commit 15 percent of their shelf space to products from Black-owned businesses. The Fifteen Percent Pledge has since expanded to track corporate spending commitments, assess economic impact, and provide resources for supplier diversity.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge continues tracking corporations’ progress toward supplier diversity commitments, and the gala offers an opportunity to showcase successes and ongoing challenges in expanding economic inclusion for Black entrepreneurs.

by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2026

Charles Woodson Steps Away From Browns Ownership Bid, Pours Into Liquor Empire Instead

The Hall of Famer says NFL restrictions would have required him to remove his name from wine and whiskey businesses.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson has backed out of a previously announced plan to purchase a minority stake in the Cleveland Browns, citing conflicts with NFL ownership rules and his growing wine and spirits business.

Woodson, a former All-Pro defensive back, told Front Office Sports that he ultimately chose not to proceed with acquiring a 0.1% ownership share in the franchise because league policies would have forced him to separate his name from his wine and whiskey brands.

“I thought I was going to be a proud owner of the Browns but it wasn’t able to happen because I wasn’t able to take my name off of my product,” Woodson said. “It’s what made the product. It’s how I started so I wasn’t able to do that.”

The deal appeared to be well underway last spring, when the Browns announced in May that Woodson had received league approval as a minority investor and praised the perspective he would bring to the ownership group. Based on the team’s estimated valuation at the time—between $4 billion and $6.4 billion—the stake would have been worth roughly $4 million to $6 million.

However, Front Office Sports reported that NFL regulations prohibit team owners from advertising alcohol, a rule that directly conflicted with Woodson’s business ventures, including “Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines” and “Woodson Whiskey.” Woodson’s wine has previously been served at Las Vegas Raiders games, underscoring the unusual tension between league policy and his brand.

Ultimately, Woodson chose to retain full control of his companies rather than finalize the Browns’ investment. The team confirmed the split in a brief statement to Front Office Sports, saying, “We respect the decision by Charles and wish him well.”

Although Woodson never played for Cleveland during his NFL career, he is an Ohio native and reportedly built a strong rapport with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam in 2024. Without an ownership role to pursue, Woodson plans to continue his post-playing career as an NFL broadcaster while expanding his footprint in the spirits industry.

Woodson said he and his team are focused on refining Intercept Wines’ presentation, including a refreshed bottle design.

“For the wine, one of the major changes that we’ve made is the packaging and look of our bottles,” he explained. “We wanted to make it more uniform and appealing to the eye… a little bit more eye-popping.”

An NFL spokesperson previously clarified the policy to Front Office Sports, stating, “The league’s policy prohibits any owner, regardless of the amount of ownership, to use his or her name, image, and likeness for promotional purposes.”

For Woodson, a Heisman Trophy winner, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Famer, the decision came down to protecting the identity he built beyond football—even if it meant walking away from an NFL ownership opportunity.